this issue - Geebung State School

From the Principal
This Thursday night the Story Bridge will be
alight in green, purple and aqua as the city’s way
to say thank you to all our teachers.
#WorldTeachersDayAU#.
Term 4, Week 4, 29 October 2015
every day. Your attention to this has seen an
increase in attendance and a reduction in the
number of letters regarding unexplained absences being sent home.
‘I once heard a wise person say ‘Doctors may
save lives but teachers change lives’ and this is
so true. The impact a teacher can have on the
lives of young people is immeasurable yet powerful.’ Patrea Walton Deputy Director-General,
State Schools.
this issue
Deputy Principal P.2
Calendar P.3
Please join with me on Friday and take a moment
to say thank you to our wonderful teachers here
at Geebung State School. Our school staff have
a combined 475 years of teaching service.
On Wednesday’s Assembly we acknowledged
several of our staff reaching DET milestones of
10, 20 and 30 years of service. We also
acknowledged all staff members who had been
working at our school site for 5, 10, 15 and 20
years. We also backdated the years of service,
for example, a staff member who had provided 8
years of service was presented with the 5 year
badge.
Our lovely Ms Wretham is in the process of updating our website. Do look out for the changing
‘news’ items as each week one of our year levels
will be featuring the great things that happen in
and out of our classrooms. This week it is Year 2
and next week are our Preps.
Our Pre Prep sessions are being attended by
around 50% of our students enrolled for 2016.
We will be advising of an information session for
parents/carers who haven’t been able to make it
last term or for the sessions this term. A very
useful resource on starting school is available on
www.kidsmatter.edu.au/startingschool
Library News P.5
Over the coming weeks, our teachers will be finalising assessments to provide you with your
child’s Semester Two report for 2015. Please be
aware that whilst we do differentiate the learning
to support individual students, we are required to
report on the student’s achievement at the ‘year
level they are enrolled in’.
Booklists should be in your hands or on their way
to you by the end of the week. Again in accordance with differentiating the learning for some
students, your child may be required to purchase
a different level or same level of textbook. Your
child’s teacher will have indicated this on the
individual booklist. Your child’s teacher will be
happy to discuss this with you should you have
any concerns.
If you are planning for a year, sow rice; if you are
planning for a decade, plant trees; if you are
planning for a lifetime, educate people.
Chinese Proverb
Kind regards
Annie Campbell
Thank you for contacting the office regarding Acting Principal
absences: it is imperative that a child attends
PREP– YEAR 6
2016 ENROLMENTS
Please encourage relatives and friends who
are considering enrolments for 2016 to make
contact with the school. We have before and
after school care available for parents who are
working in the city. We also have an open
Literacy Coaching P.6
P&C News P.7
A Busy Day in Prep P.8
Chaplain’s News P.9
Solar Oven Project P.9
Assembly Photos P.10
Notices P11-17
From the Deputy Principal
This Friday is World Teacher’s Day. Every day, Queensland teachers
are making a difference educating and inspiring young people across
our state. World Teachers' Day is an opportunity to acknowledge our
teachers and say thanks for the significant contributions they make in
our classrooms and communities. Celebrated in more than 100 countries world-wide, World Teachers' Day was established by the United
Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO)
in 1994 to recognise the role of teachers in society. We are fortunate
to have such hard working dedicated teachers working at Geebung
State School. Friday is the day for students and parents to say
“Thanks” to their teacher to acknowledge the commitment, learning
and support your child has received this year.
This semester we will be emailing out report cards. To ensure all parents receive their child’s report cards, can I please ask everyone to
make sure the office has an updated current email address. Requests
for paper copies can be made at the office. More information will be in
the next newsletter about this.
I had the opportunity to visit Mr Carter’s class 5/6A. The students
were using their knowledge of Sizzling Starts to write “Storm Boy” from
a different perspective. It was great to be in the room while students
were sharing their writing and giving each other positive feedback on
how to improve. Next newsletter I hope to share some of this writing
with you.
I have included below an excerpt from Abulfazl’s writing from year 1. It
is clear to see how he has focussed on setting the scene with his introduction and improving his vocabulary (choice of words).
Abulfazel was a brave boy who lived in the jungle that surrounded a
castle. He protected the castle from danger. He had a special weapon but he didn’t know what it was because it was invisible.
Some of the Year 5 students are currently in the process of writing
their applications for School Captain and Vice-Captain positions. The
written applications are then discussed by a panel of teachers and
rated against the selection criteria published in the application. The
short-listed applicants will be required to give a speech to the Year 4
and 5 students about why they should be voted in as School Captain.
After the speeches and the voting by students, the applicants are then
again short-listed for an Interview by a panel consisting of the Principal, Deputy Principal and a P&C Representative. School Captains for
2016 should be announced by the end of Week 6.
Penny Callaghan
Acting Deputy Principal
STUDENT
ABSENCE LINE
If your child is going to be away from school please
let the school know.
Phone: (07) 3623 8760 or
Email: [email protected].
Dates to Remember
Date
Event
29

Pre-Prep Program 9:00am—11:00am
30

World Teachers Day
November
6

Graduation Bear orders due
9-11

Book Fair 8:30am—9am and 3—4pm in
the Media room Library
10

P&C Meeting—7pm Library
11


Rememberance Day
Music Concert, School Hall
12

Pre-Prep Program 9:00am—11:00am
13

Orders for Treat Day due
18

Treat Day
Volunteer’s Morning Tea 11:00am Library

19

EQ Advancing Education Forums
5:00pm—6:30pm School Hall
26

Pre-Prep Program 9:00am—11:00am
Commonwealth Bank Financial Literacy
Workshops Years 3-6

December
2



9


11

ACE Awards Assembly 2:30pm
School Disco
Prep 2016 Information Session 5:30pm—
6:30pm Library
Senior Awards Assembly 9:00am—
11:00am Yrs 4-6
Year 6 Graduation Dinner at Geebung
RSL
Last Day of Term 4
January 2016
22

Uniform shop open 9am—12pm and
4pm—6pm
25

First Day of School—Term 1
26

Australia Day—public holiday
New Enrolments
Library News
Prep Letter Writing
This term Prep students are writing letters to characters from stories we have
shared together. This week we read “Grandpa and Thomas ” by Pamela Allen.
Here are some of the letters they wrote from Thomas to Grandpa. The students wrote them independently. What a great job they did!
Book Fair
Every Scholastic Book Fair is packed with a multitude of genres, including fantasy, classics, reference, award-winners, humour, nonfiction and mystery. We believe the best selection encompasses books suitable for both girls and boys within each age group, captures their imaginations and excites them about reading.
Book Fair is coming soon to Geebung State School and we are very excited!!!
When: Monday 9th – Wednesday 11th November from 8.30 - 9am and 3 - 4pm
Where : The media room in the library
There will be a huge range of books for kids from Prep to year 6, plus posters, bookmarks , rubbers and more! Every dollar you
spend gives us points for the library to buy some of your favourite books. Come and buy some early Christmas presents and help the
school at the same time.
Payment options: cash, EFTPOS or credit card
Literacy Coaching—7 Steps to Writing
Step 4: Dynamic Dialogue
Don't tell anyone but authors 'cheat' when we write –
especially when we write dialogue.
Normal conversations go like this:
'Hi.'
'Hi. How are you?'
'Good. And you?'
'Good.'
'I was thinking of going shopping.'
'Oh. What for?'
'My mother gave me some money for my birthday and I
need a new jumper.'
'Sounds great. Count me in.'
In real life conversations we often talk in clichés and ramble a
lot. However, reading takes effort, so to keep things moving
fast, writers cut straight to the action.
'Hey, my mum gave me some money for my birthday. Want to
go shopping?'
'Sounds great. Count me in.’
TOP TIP:
Give kids a starting line to help them avoid the boring parts. Are
they writing a conversation between a ghost and a flying pig?
Suggest where to begin:
ACTION ACTIVITY:
Tape a conversation at home.
Listen to all the rambling, half-finished sentences and 'umms'
and 'er's.' This is great proof that strong writing does not have to
be based on real life!
© Jen McVeity, author and National Literacy Champion
'Hey! Watch where you're going!
THE FISHING TRIP by Geoffrey and Frank 4A
“Dad, are you sure there are fish in the sea today?” asked Stephen from the other side of the rocks.
“Yes, of course there will be son.” replied Dad.
“Dad?” repeated Stephen.
“Now what?” demanded Dad.
“Are there sharks in the water?”
“I don’t know. I don’t think so.” Dad said thoughtfully as he wriggled his rod in the water.
“Dad, are there whales in the water?” said Stephen nervously.
“No. I don’t think so.” answered Dad.
“Dad, are fish strong?” Stephen said shakily.
“No, not really.” Dad replied
“Dad, I think there’s a whale on my line!” called Stephen while tugging on his rod.
“Hold on to the rod. I will be there as fast as I can.” Dad yelled..
“Dad, I think the whale wants something to eat. Can I give him my rod?”
“No !” yelled Dad, but it was too late, the rod was gone….
“Dad, can I borrow your rod?”
FANTASTIC MR FOX by Tariro G 3A
” Who wants to help me catch a nice, plump, juicy chicken? We are starving here and I know a way underground- unless you want
to run for it and BANG!! BANG!!” Mr. Fox yelled making sure everyone heard, almost like a show off.
“Me! Me!” shouted Ash, the small fox.
“Oh, alright then.” Mr. Fox said a little softer.
“What’s the first thing we do?” Ash said enthusiastically when they arrived.
“Well, we find a chubby fat chicken first.” Mr. Fox explained.
“Really, all chickens are yum. Can’t we just get any?” Ash complained.
“It’s your very first time and it’s probably my hundredth time, so why don’t you listen please.” Mr. Fox snapped.
“Okay, okay, I’m listening.” Ash groaned.
“Thank you. So, when we have found a chicken we sneak up on it, extremely carefully. Now be brave, don’t be scared.” Mr. Fox
whispered softly, as if the chicken was going to hear what he said.
“This is so tedious.” Ash said
“Who taught you that word? Anyway, then we quickly get the chicken in a flash.” Mr. Fox continued as he quickly grabbed a chicken.
“Okay.” Ash said, now listening.
“Then we get our claw and stab it to death, understand?” Mr. Fox said courageously with the chicken in his arm.
Ash laughed. “Sorry chicken my father killed you but it was worth it.”
“Now we can eat.” Mr. Fox laughed, still laughing at what Ash said.
“I’m happy I know how to catch a chicken.” Ash replied.
“All because of your great, fantastic, intelligent, wonderful DAD!” Mr. Fox yelled.
P&C News
Geebung State School P&C Association
Keep up-to-date with information and events that are happening in the school – a great way to keep connected!
NEXT MEETING:
10th November 2015
7:00pm in the Library
PLEASE NOTE:
P&C admin’s new phone number: 0417 497775
Tuckshop’s new phone number: 0409 391 822
FUNDRAISING
Over the next 2 weeks the P&C will be running a fun competition that all students can participate in. It is to help us design some new
‘Certificates of Appreciation’. These certificates are given to local business to thank them when they support our raffles and stalls
throughout the year. Many of these businesses then display them on their office walls so it is also an opportunity to help promote our
school.
There will be 3 categories, Prep – Yr1, Yr2 – Yr3 and Yr4 – Yr6. A winner will be selected from each category, and they will receive a
prize. Entries are to be submitted at the Tuckshop and the entry fee is 50c.
We will also be sending home order forms to order your Geebung tea towels over the next week. We have a limited number for sale
to be sure to get in early so you don’t miss out.
Julie McMahon - Fundraising Coordinator
TUCKSHOP
Get your orders in for Friday night take home dinners. For just $15.00 you can have butter chicken or chorizo and chick pea casserole in mild or spicy. Put your order in by Wednesday and pick up your meal when you pick up your children at 3 o'clock on Friday.
Helpers are still needed. Please call and put your name down. Treat day (Wednesday 18th November 2015) helpers will also be
needed.
For those families who can't volunteer in Tuckshop all donations of tinned tomatoes will be greatly appreciated.
Tuckshop Day is Friday 6th November 2015. It is a day to remember that all Tuckshops including ours are only able to be open because of all the work that our volunteers do. A big THANK YOU is in order for all our fantastic volunteers that help out in our Tuckshop.
We have a new phone number at Tuckshop 0409 391 822.
Leanne and Helen – Tuckshop Convenors
PHONE: 32655959
UNIFORM SHOP
Wearing a uniform is a badge of pride, creates an identity for a school and is an important part of being a school student. A school
uniform teaches students to dress smartly and take pride in their appearance.
Shop Hours
The shop hours for Term three will be Wednesdays 8.15-9.15am. Eftpos is available on all purchases over $10.
Lost Property
The lost property rack will be on display out near the art room stairs all day Wednesdays. Named items are returned to students as
soon as convenient via the office.
Fleur Stanford – Uniform Shop Convenor
A Busy Day in Prep
Chaplain News
Lunch Activities
Loom Bands have been very popular. We have averaged 20 students attending. This is mainly from the younger grades. I have
even had some students come in to practice on other days.
Parents/ Cares—if you are available on Thursday between 1:15 – 1:45pm we would value your help.
Chappy Kerry
My Solar Oven Project
Last Friday, all the year three had to make a solar oven for technology. Our
aim was to create a solar oven that was hot enough to cook an egg. My solar oven was made using a cardboard box, foil and foam and it reached a
temperature of 62 degrees which was high enough to cook an egg. It took an
hour for the egg to cook.
Monday Munchkins
At Geebung State School there is a
new playgroup called Monday Munchkins. If interested in joining see the
details below for this playgroup.
Day:
Start Time:
End Time:
Contact:
Email:
Monday
9:30am
11:30am
Rebecca 0433 133 053
[email protected]
For ages 0-4 years. $4:00 per family/
week. An informal playgroup with regular routine, group story/music time
and craft; plenty of child-lead play time;
safe indoor and outdoor play areas.
Group does not meet during school
holidays.
Assembly Photos
14 October 2015
28 October 2015
Notices
Vacancy- School Crossing Supervisors
A casual position exists for a School Crossing Supervisor at Geebung State School.
Some pre-employment conditions apply. Must be available for up to 5 days a week on
a rotational basis in all weather conditions, 1.5 hours per day on a rostered basis.
Pay Rate $27.49 per hour.
Applications are available from the School Administration.
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